The Dolphins are making late night moves just like every other NFL team now that midnight has arrived, and my goal is to help you get all the information that can’t make the fish wrapper since it’s past print time.

Keep refreshing this page because I’m going to keep cranking it out till the wife decides it’s time to put me down for nap time.

Well, now that LT Flozell Adams is off the table, allegedly signing a six-year deal that could pay him as much as $43 million (with $15 million guaranteed) don’t be surprised if the Dolphins go after Jacksonville’s Maurice Williams. He’s viewed as one of the top young tackles left on the market and the Dolphins have to address that position in free agency, and the draft….

But Williams might not be the only Jaguar the Dolphins put the full court press on. Bill Parcells and company are in the market for a Keyshawn Johnson like possession receiver, and Ernest Wilford seems to be the young one they really like. Wilford’s top suitors I’m told are Buffalo and the Dolphins. I’m guessing Johnson might be the backup plan if Wilford ends up elsewhere. But Buffalo? Come on….

The Dolphins are in the late stages of working out a trade with Dallas to pick up 33-year-old Jason Ferguson, who is that MUCH COVETED NOSE TACKLE who can make the 3-4 scheme work. From what I’m hearing it’s a later second day pick (possibly the sixth since the Dolphins don’t have a fifth) that’s been offered, but no one is giving up specifics. Landing Ferguson would negate the need to trade with Detroit to get Shaun Rogers.

Unloading Ferguson, who missed most of last season with a torn biceps tendon, would allow the Cowboys to trim $3.2 million in salary space. Dallas is positioning itself to make big moves this offseason to make a real title run, and Ferguson appears expendable. They really don’t need him since Jay Ratliff stepped up big time, and the Cowboys signed Tank Johnson around mid-season. I’d love to see Dallas go after Randy Moss, but that’s fantasy land. Hey, a guy can dream.

Here’s a smart strategy for free agency, and I’m taking it straight out of the New England Patriots playbook on personnel management. Pick off the top talent in your division by signing your rivals better free agents, or offer them contracts their present teams will struggle to match, possibly forcing them to cut someone else to create space.

When you weaken your rival, by default you get stronger.

Sooooo, a wise plan for the Dolphins would be to go after the Patriots safety Eugene Wilson and cornerback Randall Gay. New England might let Wilson walk with little fight because they have Brandon Meriweather locked and loaded, but who fills in for Gay? Especially if Asante Samuel signs a lucrative offer somewhere else.

Can you imagine New England having to rebuild its secondary, and linebacker unit at the same time? That’s tough to do in one offseason, unless they sign veterans like Ty Law with that championship contender discount they consistently get. How wants to bet Yeremiah Bell ends up with the Patriots?

Ohhhh well, there goes that theory.

When you get a chance put in your vote for free agent targets (CLICK HERE). Boy do the Dolphins need a big signing to sell tickets in 2008.

Don’t be surprised to see Rex Hadnot sign a nice contract with either Houston or Dallas in the coming days. Hadnot’s a Texas boy and the Texans really need a center. Dallas’ offensive line is coached by Hudson Houck, who loves Hadnot like he’s a son. In fact, the rest of the linemen called Hadnot "Hud’s son."

Around 1 a.m. the nation discovered the new-look Dolphins move fast, signing the first free agent of 2008 signing period. Former 49ers starter Justin Smiley expects to sign with Dolphins Friday (CLICK HERE FOR STORY), and will become the starting right guard once he recovers from a torn left labrum.

Smiley, a 6-foot-3, 311-pound Alabama product who has started 49 games over the past four seasons, came to terms on a deal that will pay him $25 million over the next five years, with $9 million as the signing bonus.

So that’s three of the five offensive line spots filled (Vernon Carey, Samson Satele and Smiley, who is 26). Now all the Dolphins need is another tackle, a backup tackle, and a starting left guard.

ESPN’s reporting that the Phins have agreed to swap 6th round picks this year and give up next year’s 6th rounder for Jason Ferguson of the Cowboys. We’ve got our stop gap nose tackle. Now, we can draft and develop a NT prospect. Everyone was saying that we should go after Shaun Rogers. But you seem to be forgetting that the Dolphins are probably still going to be bad for the next couple of years at least. We need to keep those high-round picks and develop them into quality starters for years to come. On another note, anything going down with Atlanta’s DeAngelo Hall? We definitely could use a shutdown corner.

We made the deal for NT Jason Ferguson.
ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins will acquire DT Jason Ferguson and a 2008 sixth-round draft choice from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2008 sixth-round draft choice and a 2009 sixth-round draft choice.

Rob, that’s why I don’t think we’ll take C.Long, especially if we sign Pace, we need inside guys for a 3-4. We have Taylor and Holiday and Roth and so on but no one inside including linebacker Crowder is really another outside guy.

If we can’t trade down in the draft we have to draft Jake Long! Give Beck a o-line and he will be better then Trent Edwards! Still need a WR and some depth on the O-line! If we can grab Turner from SD we will be set at RB, RB,RW,Turner and Booker as a 3rd down back. Then we need to work on that Defense!

Michael Turner, why? if we are going to go spend 5-6 million per for a RB just draft McFadden or take one of top RB’s in first pick of 2nd round. Don’t like a Turner move, especially bc he is built exactly like Brown.
Obviously Parcells and company were ready to go, no wonder they haven’t talked to media. Nobody is busier than us.
Youth movement is definately focus, I love it. Other than Ferguson everyone under 27. Ferguson seems to be small investment at NT until we groom a replacement in a year or two, I like the strategy.
Need to get some CB/WR on radar. If we sign Pace where does Porter and Taylor go? Would this mean the end of Long or Gholston, or are we going to explore a trade of Taylor. Is Porter sliding inside, or will we just cut him next year to open a spot?
Where does Randy Starks fit in? Are we thinking an end in the 3-4? So Ferguson, Holliday, Starks w/ solai, fifth, wright backing up?
If williams does not come as LT I think Jake Long may be a done deal. Unless they are thinking Ryan. I hope not.
Like the McNown move, prefer Volek but similiar. Kind of take your pick. The new TE must be a blocker or something. Too many TE’s with Martin and Peele, especially without a clear cut starter. Maybe we are going more 2 TE formations a la Indy when had Clark and Pollard, bc they didn’t have that 3rd WR. But then again we don’t even have a 2.
Keep the updates coming guys.
Oh btw love the Smiley deal, young and agressive with good size.

thanks is brown coming off an injury. I didn’t know that. Yes you need RB’s. But a $10-$12 million backfield. I think that is a little excessive with so many dying needs on team. Plus still have booker and Ricky. I hate to spend $10 million signing bonus for a guy we need until brown ready, because no way he beats brown out once healthy. brown behind average line, poor QB play was the best RB in the league early on. Just draft a RB. They are a dime a dozen and more a product of system and who is in front blocking for them. Turner is a good RB, but could we not find one in the 2nd or 3rd round that could be similiar plus save millions. Seems much more logical to be. Heck bring back Chatman for a small contract before we go break the bank for a RB, when we need help at so many places. There is no position easier to find than RB. It is also the easiest position in the NFL to step right in and contribute. The biggest thing they struggle with is pass protection schemes, after that it is just instincts and who is opening holes for them.

Randy Starks is reportedly signed already. 21 million with 7 million guaranteed over 5 years. He can play end in a 3-4 Defense. With the way the day has gone, I would say Pace isn’t coming down here for a meet and greet. Hopefully its for a physical and his big check.

The dolphins should concentrate on young players that wont cost them alot of Money. These should be the Dolphins Free Agent Targets:
Boss Bailey, LB (Detroit): Young, Big and Fast
Bryant Johnson, WR (Arizona): Big Receiver, Good hands
David Carr, QB: 28 yrs old, Upgrade over Cleo and will give Beck time to grow, and we can use the #1 on other need.
Chris Canty, DE (Dallas): Young, Big, and ideal for a 3-4 Defense(Drafted by Parcell).
Antwan Odom, DE (Titans): Would be great in a 3-4 Defense, The titans dont play 3-4.
Eugene Wilson, DB (New England)
Randall Gay, CB (New England)
Jacques Reeves, CB (Dallas)

I told you guys Lemon was a goner, haha. Just like Marty Booker and so many other losers.
It’s funny that the Tuna doesn’t even have to do that much. Ireland and a head coach that knows O-Line is going to make all the difference.
Look at the beef coming onto the roster. This will make the draft so much easier on our front office.

You guys make these signings seem like we just got 5 pro bowlers.
I agree there is potential here – especially with Parcells doing the evaluating, but not sure we did more today than in two years including the draft?
Anyway, Pace looks like he has real potential. Charlie Anderson is also intriguing but has had very little production as a backup in Houston.
Starks may be the key to all of this. Is he going to play DE or DT? I would assume DT, but not sure if he is a 3-4 DT? Parcells must see something in him because his play so far does not justify a $7 million signing bonus.
Other than Smiley the guys signed on offense look like depth or role players. The players signed on defense should provide a few starters.
Could this signal a draft more heavy on offense than defense? QB and LT maybe? I hope so.
More and more people around the league are coming to the position that Matt Ryan is the only franchise QB of this draft. As I have said before if you look at the next two QB classes there isn’t much out there. I don’t believe the bust factor with him, as a lot of the guys who bust were either physically gifted bone heads who should have never been selected where they were or guys who were beaten to a pulp early in their careers and never recovered. Matt Ryan is no bone head and I don’t see the Tuna putting him in a position to be beaten to a pulp.
I am liking this so far.

We will not pay a QB at the number 1 pick that much money with us already paying Beck 2nd round money and Mcnoun 6 million!
Select the LT with our first pick and give Beck a fighting chance. Remember Ireland really liked Beck last year in the draft!

True Fan,
NO ONE is going to pay a guy who may not be able to play the LT position $30 million to possibly find out he is a RT only.
What did you expect Ireland to say when asked about Beck? That he thought the guy sucked? That wouldn’t be too smart now would it?
Jake Long is not going #1. There is NO WAY. Additionally, LT is possibly the deepest position in this draft. You don’t have to take one with the first pick because there will still be one in the 2nd round. Based on Parcells love of size I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take Carl Nicks from Nebraska.
QB though. Again, there is growing consensus on Ryan being the only franchise guy.

JohnD,
I couldn’t agree more. Ryan first then LT with one of the 2nd round picks.
This class is loaded at WR but the wilford pickup makes me question if we take one. Wilford is 29.
We could also get a TE that is better than any on our roster today in rounds 3 or 4.
But I agree with you. Based on today I think it is Ryan and mostly offense.
That would be the first time for that in years.

Paul
Maybe you should read up about Jake Long before you run your mouth about him! He gave up two sacks in his career at Michigan and had very few penalties. Who says he is a right guard? I have not heard that at all! Ryan is not a franchise QB and I would rather have Joe Flaco then Ryan! Tell me what QB did not struggle in their first year? Peyton Manning would of been considered a bust the way he played his first year. Good thing there are guys that know what they are doing rather then you deciding talent!

You probaly were one of the crybabies last year when we did not take pretty boy Quinn! He can’t even beat out Anderson and those who say with the moves today that Ryan will be the pick, I dont see where we signed a LT today!

there’s no doubt J.Long is an awesome player, however, Parcells and all of his coaching tree guys have never taken a lineman this high. Parcells did draft Bledsoe with the One though. That’s what makes me think he’d go Ryan over Long. Who knows though anything could happen. This draft is full of o-line though.

True Fan,
I know about Jake Long. At least as much as someone outside of the personnel department can know. And I said RT not RG. We are talking about LT in the NFL. That is different than in the SLOW Big 10 conference. By the way Gholston got the best of him in the Ohio State game last year.
Look, it isn’t my analysis of the guy it is the player personnel analysis.
As far as Quinn not beating out Anderson. Anderson who had a pro-bowl alternate year. Are you kidding? When Quinn did play, albeit briefly, he at least showed something. However let me get this straight. You like Beck who had trouble just taking the ball from center most plays, but your calling Quinn a bust because he couldn’t beat out a Pro-Bowl QB?
And stop bringing up Peyton Manning to make your case for Beck. Anyone could see Manning had potential, was a leader on the field but you cannot say that for sure with Beck. Not today anyway.
Don’t really think you are thinking through any of your arguments very well.

HEY OMAR,
Given your experience covering the Miami Hurricanes and now your new assignment with the Miami Dolphins. Could you please tell me why the Dolphins don’t ever pick up UM players (Vernon Carey exception) with their draft picks and free agency?
Hurricanes’ players almost seem like a sure thing year after year. Every year we hear about some break through stud coming out of the U.
What are other teams seeing and successfully doing that the Dolphins’ are not?

Paul
Cleveland had a way better O-line then we did and yes they took a o-lineman high and he did pretty darn well in Joe Thomas. I am not saying Beck looked good last year but Troy Aikman and Steve Young see something in Beck and they would know a little about the position. Cam Cameron as bad as a head coach he was does know something about QB’S! Peyton Manning was suspect with his arm strengh and accuracy until he shined in the combine!
Remember our O-line was good at run blocking and really bad at pass protection! I am not saying Beck is the answer but how can we pay Ryan what the Raiders paid Russell last year when you have Beck under contract with 2nd round money and now 6.25 mil on McNown? Yeah I said RG on Long and meant to say RT, my mistake. I do think before I write this stuff and if you think Anderson will make it back to the pro bowl this year then I disagree, maybe he will prove me wrong! Gholston did beat Long for 1 sack and I do think Gholston is a stud! Personally I would love to trade down out of the top pick and grab some more draft picks. I was just thinking if we grabbed Long we could move Carey back over to RT were he is more comfortable. I still stand by Quinn is not that great but that is just my opinion!

1st pick Ryan, 2nd pick OT. Hold on I agree LT a need position and needs to be filled with one of first two picks. I understand LT is loaded this year, but here is my reasoning for taking Long first. With that 2nd round pick we are in dire need of another CB or TE / or WR. Should one of those positions fall as they always do we will be ready to snatch them up there. There is nobody at that position worthy of the 1st pick. Most CB’s that are good are taken early. So Long #1, we now have 4/5ths of line. Then the one of Cromartie (would love this pick), fred davis, or mario manningham. There is a good chance one will fall. I even think maybe Dan O’Connor would be a great move at that point. None of these would probably be available for 2nd of round 2 picks. So Long and Cromartie. That is a great move. We have built upfront, but we still need some serious work in the secondary. Another safety with Bell ready to leave and another CB.
So, is Porter out if we get Pace? Anybody got word on that? Would be a serious cap hit, but I guess remove the dead weight now.

Omar,
So much for your non-stop updates for us, huh? It sucks that our own sports website can’t even provide us details on Miami’s aggressive FA signings. Don’t tell us to refresh our page if you don’t even type new material in almost two days.

Cromartie is a top 15 pick i seriously doubt we get him…more like Reggie Smith, Aqib Talib, Brandon Flowers, or Terrell Thomas are the next better option
…i say we get Chris Long w/ the 1st pick he looks like he has the most potential, looks like he will earn his signing bonus, and he can be Jason Taylor’s apprentice after he leaves…
…plus Jeff Otah, Chris Williams, and Carl Nicks are the next best thing at LT
…honestly idk who the ‘Fins get but anyone but Matt Ryan (financially he’s gonna kill us)

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More